The external
manifestations
of attention are accompanied by physiological changes, particularly within the brain and nervous system.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI), a research and diagnostic method developed in the early 1990s, has been used to study many brain activities, including attention. The method detects changes of blood flow in the brain, including the concentration or pooling of blood in areas of increased neural activity.

Other physiological changes can be studied by examining responses to novel stimuli. Growing out of Pavlov’s research, the
orienting response
to novel stimuli has come to be characterized by a broad complex of physiological changes. These include changes in heart rate, in the electrical conductivity of the skin, in the size of the pupils of the eyes, in the pattern of respiration, and in the level of tension in the muscles. If the novel signal is an interesting one, the heart transiently slows down; if it is startling, the heart transiently speeds up.

Most of the other types of change reflect similar reactions. Thus, the startling signal increases the level of skin conductance and the size of the pupils of the eyes, causes respiration to pause or briefly become irregular, and increases tension in certain muscles. Closer inspection reveals many more changes: for example, in the size of blood vessels and consequently in blood circulation, in digestive processes, and in other bodily functions.

The majority of the physiological responses indicate that these changes are regulated by the
autonomic nervous system
. They prepare the individual to respond to new and potentially threatening situations. Senses become temporarily more responsive to signals from the outside world. Overall, the pattern is one of preparing the individual to take in information rapidly and efficiently and to give priority to those systems that might need to respond promptly to that information. The
endocrine system
will release hormonal agents that further
facilitate
the preparatory process. Once the novel signal has been fully assessed and classed as nonthreatening or of no continuing importance, the defenses are “stood down.” As might be predicted from the behavioral evidence, repetitive signals lead to habituation of the physiological responses as novelty dissipates.

For a successful application to receive an unconditional status all documents must be verified, so an original or certified copy of the degree transcript must be sent by post to Specialist Masters Programme Office, 106 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8TZ, UK

Entry requirements

GMAT

We do not require a GMAT or GRE for this course but if you have already taken the test we would advise you to upload a copy of your result to your online application form.

Candidate profile

Interview

Applicants selected by the Admissions panel will be invited to take an online interview. We will contact all selected applicants with full instructions after the Admissions Panel has made an initial assessment of your application.

We would strongly advise you to provide us with your own personal email address when applying to avoid missing interview deadlines and any important information sent from Admissions Team.

English language requirements

If you have been studying in the UK for the last
three years
it is unlikely that you will have to take the IELTS test

If you have studied a 2+2 degree with just two years in the UK you will be required to provide IELTS results and possibly to resit the tests to meet our requirements.

IELTS:
The required IELTS level is an average of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in all elements.

Pearson Academic:
The required PTE score is at least 70.

If you have not taken IELTS/PTE tests, you can still apply for the course. If you were to receive an offer, this would always be conditional upon achieving the required IELTS/PTE score for admission.

Please note that due to changes in the 's list of s we are no longer able to accept as evidence of English language for students who require a as of April 2014.

UK/EU/International
£23,000
Tuition fees are subject to annual change

Fees in each subsequent year of study (where applicable) will be subject to an annual increase of 2%. We will confirm any change to the annual tuition fee to you in writing prior to you commencing each subsequent year of study (where applicable).

Deposit:
£2,000 (paid within 1 month of receiving offer and non-refundable unless conditions of offer are not met)

Deposit:

First installment:
Half fees less deposit (payable during on-line registration which should be completed at least 5 days before the in-person ID–checks)
Second installment:
Half fees (paid in January following start of course)